South Carolina Car Registration Renewal Cost
Renewing a typical car's registration in South Carolina costs about $40 every 2 years in state fees (a typical gas passenger car). Use the calculator to see your own amount, line by line, from the fees in South Carolina's official schedule (last reviewed October 7, 2026).
| Registration (2 years) | $40 |
|---|---|
| Renewal total | $40 |
Estimate of state renewal fees only. Your renewal notice shows the exact amount, including local fees.
What you pay when you renew in South Carolina
At renewal you pay only the fees that repeat each registration period. The title fee and sales tax are paid once, when you buy or first register the car, so they are not part of a renewal.
| Registration (2 years) | $40 |
|---|---|
| Renewal total | $40 |
The county vehicle property tax is separate and usually the largest cost at renewal time; it depends on the car's value and your county's millage.
How to renew your registration in South Carolina
Renew online at SCDMV Online, by mail, or at an SCDMV branch. Registration for a passenger car lasts 2 years.
You must pay your county's vehicle property tax first; the county treasurer's receipt is needed to renew. You also need valid South Carolina insurance.
Official site: SCDMV.
Buying a car in South Carolina instead?
The first registration costs more because it includes the title and sales tax. Use the South Carolina car sales tax calculator to see the full tax, title and license cost of a purchase.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renew a car registration in South Carolina?
For a typical gas passenger car, the state renewal fees come to about $40 every 2 years. The county vehicle property tax is separate and usually the largest cost at renewal time; it depends on the car's value and your county's millage.
How often do you renew your registration in South Carolina?
Passenger car registration in South Carolina lasts 2 years, so you renew every other year.
How do I renew my registration in South Carolina?
Renew online at SCDMV Online, by mail, or at an SCDMV branch. Registration for a passenger car lasts 2 years.
What do I need before renewing in South Carolina?
You must pay your county's vehicle property tax first; the county treasurer's receipt is needed to renew. You also need valid South Carolina insurance.
Do electric cars pay more to renew in South Carolina?
Yes. An electric car pays about $120 more at each renewal, a fee that replaces the gas tax EV owners don't pay.